Illuminations

From the author of Ecstasty, a novel of a girl who triumphed against impossible odds to become the most extraordinary woman of the Middle Ages. Hildegard von Bingen—Benedictine abbess, healer, composer, saint—experienced mystic visions from a very young age. Offered by her noble family to the Church at the age of eight, she lived for years in forced silence. But through the study of books and herbs, through music and the kinship of her sisters, Hildegard found her way from a life of submission to a calling that celebrated the divine glories all around us. In this brilliantly researched and insightful novel, Mary Sharratt offers a deeply moving portrait of a woman willing to risk everything for what she believed, a triumphant exploration of the life she might well have lived. “Sharratt brings one of the most famous and enigmatic women of the Middle Ages to vibrant life in this tour de force, which will captivate the reader from the very first page.” —Sharon Kay Penman, New York Times–bestselling author of The Land Beyond the Sea “One could not anticipate this majesty and drama…Illuminations is riveting, following von Bingen through…to emerge as one of the significant voices of the 12th century…Unforgettable.” —January Magazine “Gripping…Like Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, [Illuminations] is primarily about relationships forged under pressure.”—Publishers Weekly “Masterful.”—Saint Paul Pioneer Press

Essays and reflections from one of the twentieth century’s most original cultural critics, with an introduction by Hannah Arendt. Walter Benjamin was an icon of criticism, renowned for his insight on art, literature, and philosophy. This volume includes his views on Kafka, with whom he felt a close personal affinity; his studies on Baudelaire and Proust; and his essays on Leskov and Brecht’s epic theater. Illuminations also includes his penetrating study “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” an enlightening discussion of translation as a literary mode; and his theses on the philosophy of history. Hannah Arendt selected the essays for this volume and introduces them with a classic essay about Benjamin’s life in a dark historical era. Leon Wieseltier’s preface explores Benjamin’s continued relevance for our times. Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) was a German-Jewish Marxist literary critic, essayist, translator, and philosopher. He was at times associated with the Frankfurt School of critical theory and was also greatly inspired by the Marxism of Bertolt Brecht and Jewish mysticism as presented by Gershom Scholem.​

From New York Times bestselling author Alan Moore-one of the most influential writers in the history of comics-"a wonderful collection, brilliant and often moving" (Neil Gaiman) which takes us to the fantastical underside of reality. In his first-ever short story collection, which spans forty years of work, Alan Moore presents a series of wildly different and equally unforgettable characters who discover--and in some cases even make and unmake--the various uncharted parts of existence. In "A Hypothetical Lizard," two concubines in a brothel of fantastical specialists fall in love with tragic ramifications. In "Not Even Legend," a paranormal study group is infiltrated by one of the otherworldly beings they seek to investigate. In "Illuminations," a nostalgic older man decides to visit a seaside resort from his youth and finds the past all too close at hand. And in the monumental novella "What We Can Know About Thunderman," which charts the surreal and Kafkaesque history of the comics industry's major players over the last seventy-five years, Moore reveals the dark, beating heart of the superhero business. From ghosts and otherworldly creatures to theoretical Boltzmann brains fashioning the universe at the big bang, Illuminations is exactly that--a series of bright, startling tales from a contemporary legend that reveal the full power of imagination and magic.

How much do we keep from the people we love? Why is the truth so often buried in secrets? Can we learn from the past or must we forget it? Standing one evening at the window of her house by the sea, Anne Quirk sees a rabbit disappearing in the snow. Nobody remembers her now, but this elderly woman was in her youth a pioneer of British documentary photography. Her beloved grandson, Luke, now a captain with the Royal Western Fusiliers, is on a tour of duty in Afghanistan, part of a convoy taking equipment to the electricity plant at Kajaki. Only when Luke returns home to Scotland does Anne's secret story begin to emerge, along with his, and they set out for an old guest house in Blackpool where she once kept a room.

It is precisely when we are struggling with doubt and confusion-or the persistent sense that there must be something more-that spiritual exploration begins. Considering the questions we often share when pursuing or choosing our beliefs allows us to deepen our understanding and empathy for others-even as we travel along disparate sacred paths. In ILLUMINATIONS, Mark L. Tompkins and Jennifer McMahon have compiled a profound and visually stunning collection of original artworks, photographs, short prose pieces, poems, and interview excerpts contributed by more than 180 artists and writers from 43 countries. Instead of attempting to provide answers or explain doctrine, ILLUMINATIONS gives voice to a worldwide collective of truth seekers, including Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu, peace activist Fatima Gailani, bestselling authors Julia Cameron and Marianne Williamson, Reverend Tamara Siuda, and spiritual leader ShantiMayi. Representing a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and faiths, Illuminations is a provocative celebration of the personal spiritual experience.Reviews"This celebration of curiosity and questioning will appeal to those who are on a spiritual journey and find individual exploration to be more fulfilling than institutional religious experience." -Publishers Weekly"A refreshing counterpoint to the one-answer religious tract. . . The collection is beautiful visually and intellectually. The works are spiritual without being sentimental, no easy task. . . This book is a blessing."-Dallas Morning News and The Oklahoman "Mark Tompkins and Jennifer McMahon have undertaken an important task, mining the spiritual diversity that lies at the heart of humanity. Understanding each other'¬?s spiritual quest will lead to deeper healing for us all." -Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love and Everyday Grace"Illuminations merges art and spirituality into an elegant and moving collection of profound beauty. This book is a physical blessing to all who are fortunate enough to view it." -Arielle Ford, founding partner of The Spiritual Cinema Circle "Illuminations helps the reader move past understanding to empathy, which is the way to peace." -Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate "An important book, Illuminations allows all of us to deepen our connections with one another through the profound questions that live in every faith, every culture, and every heart. This is a book that affirms the inner dependence and interdependence of out time." -Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money "Sometimes religious systems expand life, introducing us to our spiritual natures; sometimes they diminish life, surrounding our fears with the mirage of certainty. In this book, Mark Tompkins and Jennifer McMahon open our spirituality in wondrous new ways, challenging and deepening all religious systems." -John Selby Spong, former Episcopal Bishop of Newark, New Jersey "Illuminations portrays an ecumenical inquiry in to the questions that lead the reader to uncover and remember the essences of living. Its symphony of stories and images lifts the spirit and invites conversations designed to end the separation of humanity from life and to reconnect us to that ineffable light that guides our journey." -Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, authors of The World Caf?© and founders of the World Caf?© Community Foundation

"From alchemist to zither, Hunt explains things Arthurian in easily understood words and detailed, often dramatic ink-and-watercolor paintings evocative of medieval illuminated manuscripts. . . . This (book) will pique the interest of readers and serve as a handy companion to contemporary fictional retelling of Arthurian lore".--Publishers Weekly. Full color.

Intended as a reference and guide for instructors teaching life science and any discipline at the high school and/or college level where evolution is likely to be covered. In addition, it is an excellent read for anyone interested in the creation/evolution controversy.Course Names--Biological Sciences 53: Evolution, Diversity, and History of Life-BIO. 455 Evolution-330 Evolution-BIN 200: Biology of VertebratesSample Course DescriptionsA study of the process of organic evolution and its result: the structural, functional, and genetic diversity of organisms. Emphasis on recent advances in understanding phylogenetic relationships among the primary groups of organisms, major events in the history of life, and the fundamental concepts and methods of evolutionary biology. A study of organic evolution and its theoretical basis. This course develops three major themes: the history of evolutionary thought, the mechanisms of evolution, amd highlights in the history of life. Offered in alternate years. Study of the processes of evolution from macromolecules to the genesis of major groups of life. Examination of Neo-Darwinian theories of adaptation and natural selection as well as competing scientific explanations of evolutionary change. Assessment of contemporary criticism of Darwinian theory. Three class hours per week in seminar format with emphasis on reading of primary literature and discussion.